Dispersible potash pellets

ABSTRACT

A water-dispersible particle is provided that includes a sulfate or phosphate of potash in an amount ranging from 5% to 99.9% by weight of the total dry weight of the particle. A binder component is present in an amount from 1% to 95% by weight. The sulfate or phosphate of potash and the binder component on that contact with water causes particle dispersion into more than 100 pieces. 
     A process for making a water-dispersible particle includes mechanical aggregation of a sulfate or phosphate of potash into a pellet. A binder component is present in the particle in an amount ranging from 1% to 95% by weight. The sulfate or phosphate of potash and the binder component are present in a form such that contact with water causes particle dispersion into more than 100 pieces. The pellet is then dried and ready to be applied.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority of U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationSer. No. 60/790,345 filed Apr. 7, 2006 and U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 60/771,408 filed Feb. 8, 2006, which areincorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to water-dispersible potash. Moreparticularly, the present invention relates to water-dispersiblephosphate and/or sulfate of potash.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

A continuing problem in care of large areas of cultivated vegetation isthe difficulty of delivery of fertilizer to the target in an efficientmanner. A practical and labor-saving approach to agent delivery in areassuch as golf courses, parks, lawns, gardens and woodlands has beenbroadcast application of granular products containing an agent, forexample via rotary spreader. Using granular products having particlesizes in the range of about 1 millimeter to about 10 millimeters, anoperator can cover a large area with minimal distance traversed by thespreader itself, while applying the granular products relativelyuniformly to the desired area. Unfortunately, such granular productsoften remain in solid or semisolid form several days following theirapplication yielding a high concentration dispersion zone immediatelybeneath a particle with much lower concentrations in proximity. Withpotash delivery this can lead to chemical burning proximal to a pellet.

A further consequence of the fact that granular products often remain insolid or semisolid form for long periods following application is thatthe granules are subject to removal by cultural practices such as mowingwith clipping removal, leaf and or yard waste vacuuming; or runoff fromweather events, especially on sloping ground where the underlying soilshave low percolation rates; where the ground cover is closely mown orrelatively thin and sparse; and where the equipment or pedestriantraffic is high. This causes a loss of the uniformity of the biologicalresponse sought by the use of the product. In addition, product efficacymay be altered due to excessive concentration of the product within theareas treated.

The long persistence of the granular products also results in a greaterlikelihood that people and or animals may come into physical contactwith the granules, which may result in skin irritation, sensitization,dermal absorption and toxicity. Additionally, when clothing, footwearand equipment come into physical contact with the granules, they cancause damage, corrosion or staining.

The present invention solves the problems associated with persistence ofgranular products by providing compositions and methods for makingcontrolled release nitrogen pellets that are water dispersible. Theinventive pellets, when handled without coming into contact with water,have physical characteristics similar to existing controlled releasegranules such as those detailed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,884,756. Followingapplication, the inventive pellets disperse on contact with moisturefrom the treated area itself, from irrigation or from naturalprecipitation. The dispersion of the pellets allows the controlledrelease nitrogen and other active ingredients to be deposited downwardsand laterally from the original position of the pellet, so that thecontrolled release nitrogen and other active ingredients are less likelyto be removed from the treated area, ingested by small children oranimals, or otherwise contacted by people, animals, clothing, footwearor equipment. Water dispersibility also prevents wastage of anyrelatively expensive components of the inventive pellets since more ofthe ingredients reach their respective targets.

Thus, there is a continuing need for a uniformly sized, durable productin particle form which can deliver potash in a controlled release mannerand whose components are quickly dispersible in order to provide evendelivery of active agents to target plants and organisms over a largearea.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A water-dispersible particle is proving that includes a sulfate orphosphate of potash present in an amount ranging from 5% to 99.9% byweight of the total dry weight of the particle. A binder component ispresent in an amount ranging from 1% to 95% by weight of the total dryweight of the particle. The sulfate or phosphate of potash and thebinder component are present in a form such that contact with watercauses particle dispersion into more than 100 pieces.

A process for making a water-dispersible particle includes mechanicalaggregation of a sulfate or phosphate of potash into a pellet. A bindercomponent, is present in the particle in an amount ranging from 1% to95% by weight of the total dry weight of the particle. The sulfate orphosphate of potash and the binder component are present in a form suchthat contact with water causes particle dispersion into more than 100pieces. The pellet is then dried and ready to be applied.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention relates to a water-dispersible potash particle fordelivery of fertilizer to a plant. The invention further relates to amethod for making and using the water-dispersible particle. Theinventive particle retains its size and shape during handling andapplication to a desired area and dissolves or crumbles into smallparticles upon contact with a water overspray within twelve hours. Thusthe durability of the particle allows delivery of the particle to thevicinity of the desired site of action whereupon contact with watersufficient to wet the particle surface causes dispersion of particlecomponents, facilitating distribution of the active agents to thetarget. The term dispersion in the context of the present invention isintended to mean that an inventive particle disperses by breaking intonumerous smaller pieces upon contact with water. In a preferredembodiment, an inventive particle disperses by breaking up into greaterthan 100 smaller pieces upon contact with water over a period of timeranging from 1 second to 24 hours. Preferably, an inventive particledisperses into 1,000 to 10,000 smaller pieces over a period of timeranging from 1 second to 12 hours. Even more preferably, a particledisperses into 100 to 10,000 smaller pieces over a period of 30 secondsto 6 hours. Most preferably, a particle disperses as described over aperiod of 1 minute to 1 hour. The ability of the inventive material todegrade with water is generally measured in a water dispersibility test.The test involves placing about 10 grams of the inventive material into100 ml of water at room temperature in a closed glass container. Thecontainer is then inverted and the time is observed until the materialdisperses. After every minute, the container is inverted. The inventivematerial of the present invention has a dispersibility time of generallyless than 15 minutes with a period of less than 5 minutes beingpreferred and a period of less than 2 minutes being most preferred. Theinventive particle provides a delivery system for potash, and optionaladditional agents such as nitrogen sources, plant nutrients, pesticides,hormones, herbicides, micronutrients and other active ingredients.

Composition of Particles

A particle of the present invention has a potash sulfate or potashphosphate and a binder component. The particle optionally contains anactive ingredient. In a preferred embodiment the water-dispersiblepotash is targeted to cultivated plants such as lawn grass, crops,flowers, shrubs, trees and bushes. The water-dispersible potash ispresent in amounts ranging from 5% to 99.9% by weight of the total dryweight of the particle. More preferably, the water-dispersible potash ispresent in amounts ranging from 30% to 99.5% by weight of the total dryweight of the particle. Still more preferably, the water-dispersiblepotash is present in amounts ranging from 50% to 99% by weight of thetotal dry weight of the particle.

An optional nitrogen-containing ingredient added to thewater-dispersible potash includes methylene urea oligomers, oxamide,urea formaldehyde-based compounds, dicyandiamide, crotilidiene diurea,nitrocellulose, metal ammonium phosphates, ammonium nitrate, ammoniumsulfate, urea, coated urea, monoammonium phosphate, diammoniumphosphate, calcium nitrate, isobutylidene diurea and other fertilizersas detailed herein.

In a preferred embodiment the particle contains a binder that producesor promotes cohesion of the potash sulfate and/or potash phosphatewater-dispersible fine particles. The binder component is present inamounts ranging from 1% to 95% by weight of the total dry weight of theparticle. More preferably, the binder component is present in amountsranging from 1% to 75% by weight of the total dry weight of theparticle. Still more preferably, the binder component is present inamounts ranging from 1% to 50% by weight of the total dry weight of theparticle. Most preferably, the binder is present in amounts ranging from1% to 25% by weight of the total dry weight of the particle.Illustrative examples of binders operative herein are carbohydrates suchas monosaccharides, disaccharides, oligosaccharides and polysaccharides;proteins; lipids; glycolipid; glycoprotein; lipoprotein; clays; andcombinations and derivatives of these. Specific carbohydrate bindersillustratively include glucose, mannose, fructose, galactose, sucrose,lactose, maltose, xylose, arabinose, trehalose and mixtures thereof suchas corn syrup; celluloses such as carboxymethylcellulose,ethylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxymethylethylcellulose,hydroxyethylpropylcellulose, methylhydroxyethyl-cellulose,methylcellulose; starches such as anylose, seagel, starch acetates,starch hydroxyethyl ethers, ionic starches, long-chain alkyl starches,dextrins, amine starches, phosphates starches, and dialdehyde starches;plant starches such as corn starch and potato starch; othercarbohydrates such as pectin, amylopectin, xylan, glycogen, agar,alginic acid, phycocolloids, chitin, gum arabic, guar gum, gum karaya,gum tragacanth and locust bean gum; complex organic substances such aslignin and nitrolignin; derivatives of lignin such as lignosulfonatesalts illustratively including calcium lignosulfonate and sodiumlignosulfonate and complex carbohydrate-based compositions containingorganic and inorganic ingredients such as molasses. Suitable proteinbinders illustratively include soy extract, zein, protamine, collagen,and casein. Binders operative herein also include synthetic organicpolymers capable of promoting or producing cohesion of methylene ureaoligomer fines and these illustratively include ethylene oxide polymers,polyacrylamides, polyacrylates, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, polyethyleneglycol, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinylmethyl ether, polyvinyl acrylates,polylactic acid, and latex. Clay binders illustratively includemontmorillonite, and bentonite.

The particles of the present invention are optionally associated with anactive ingredient. Illustrative examples of active ingredients includefertilizers, soil nutrients, amendment materials, biological factors andbiostimulants. A solid, liquid or powder active ingredient is recognizedto be operative herein. It will be recognized by those skilled in theart that more than one active ingredient may be incorporated into theparticle and that the choice of active ingredient or combination ofactive ingredients will depend on the intended purpose of the particleand the chemical compatibility of the ingredients and other particlecomponents.

In a preferred embodiment, where the active ingredient is a fertilizer,soil nutrient or amendment material, the fertilizer, soil nutrient oramendment material active ingredient is present in an amount rangingfrom 0.05% to 50% by weight of the total dry weight of the particle. Ina more preferred embodiment, the fertilizer, soil nutrient or amendmentmaterial active ingredient is present in an amount ranging from 0.1% to30% by weight of the total dry weight of the particle. In a still morepreferred embodiment, the fertilizer, soil nutrient or amendmentmaterial active ingredient is present in an amount ranging from 0.5% to10% by weight of the total dry weight of the particle.

Where the active ingredient is a biological factor or biostimulant, theactive ingredient is present in an amount ranging from 0.05% to 10% byweight of the total dry weight of the particle. In a more preferredembodiment, the biological factor or biostimulant active ingredient ispresent in an amount ranging from 0.1% to 5% by weight of the total dryweight of the particle. In a still more preferred embodiment, thebiological factor or biostimulant active ingredient is present in anamount ranging from 0.25% to 1% by weight of the total dry weight of theparticle.

Fertilizers are substances containing one of the plant nutrientsnitrogen, phosphate or potassium and illustratively include urea,sulfur-coated urea, isobutylidene diurea, ammonium nitrate, ammoniumsulfate, ammonium phosphate, triple super phosphate, phosphoric acid,potassium sulphate, potassium nitrate, potassium metaphosphate,potassium chloride, dipotassium carbonate, potassium oxide and acombination of these. Soil nutrients illustratively include calcium,magnesium, sulfur, iron, manganese, copper, zinc; oxides thereof, saltsthereof and combinations thereof. Amendment materials are naturalorganic products such as humic acid, blood meal, bone meal, seed meal,feather meal and soy meal; meat meal; animal waste from various animalsources; activated sludge, hydrolyzed animal hair; fish byproducts;chitin; composts; and a combination thereof. Biological factors arethose factors that have a deleterious effect on a biological organismand illustratively include algicides, bacteriocides, defoliants,desiccants, fungicides, herbicides, insecticides, insect growthregulators, miticides, nematicides, ovicides, pesticides, pheromones,repellents, rodenticides and a combination thereof. Biostimulants aresubstances that promote plant survival and health and illustrativelyinclude plant growth hormones and plant growth regulators such ascytokinins, auxins, gibberellins, ethylene, absisic acid and acombination of these.

Method of Making Particles

In a preferred embodiment, water-dispersible potash fines aremechanically aggregated into pellets in a pan-granulator in the presenceof a binder. Water-dispersible potash fines are small methylene ureaoligomer aggregates that have a mean aggregate domain size that is lessthan 500 micrometers. More preferably, the mean aggregate domain size ofthe fines is less than 250 micrometers. Still more preferably, the meanaggregate domain size of the fines is less than 180 micrometers.

The binder is sprayed into the pan granulator with the water-dispersiblepotash fines. The pellets are dried and the resulting particles aresize-screened and particles of desired size are stored. Optionally, theparticles are transferred to a coating drum for addition of an activeingredient or a conditioner material.

In another embodiment, methylene urea oligomer fines are mechanicallyaggregated into pellets in a drum-granulator in the presence of abinder. Water-dispersible potash fines are small methylene urea oligomeraggregates that have a mean aggregate domain size that is less than 500micrometers. More preferably, the mean aggregate domain size of thefines is less than 250 micrometers. Still more preferably, the meanaggregate domain size of the fines is less than 180 micrometers.

The binder is sprayed into the drum granulator with thewater-dispersible potash fines. The pellets are dried and the resultingparticles are size-screened and particles of desired size are stored.Optionally, the particles are transferred to a coating drum for additionof an active ingredient or a conditioner material.

In another embodiment, water-dispersible potash fines are mechanicallyaggregated into pellets in an Eirich unit in the presence of a binder.Water-dispersible potash fines are small methylene urea oligomeraggregates that have a mean aggregate domain size that is less than 500micrometers. More preferably, the mean aggregate domain size of thefines is less than 250 micrometers. Still more preferably, the meanaggregate domain size of the fines is less than 180 micrometers.

The binder is sprayed into the Eirich unit granulator with thewater-dispersible potash fines. The pellets are dried and the resultingparticles are size-screened and particles of desired size are stored.Optionally, the particles are transferred to a coating drum for additionof an active ingredient or a conditioner material.

Various means of drying the material are available. A preferred methodis fluid bed drying. The material is placed in a fluid bed drier and thedrier inlet air temperature ranges from about 120° F. to about 220° F.More preferably, the temperature ranges from 140° F. to 190° F. Furthermethods of drying particles will be apparent to one of skill in the artand illustratively include use of a rotary drum drier and drying undervacuum conditions.

Association of an Active Ingredient with a Particle

An active ingredient is associated with a particle during the process ofparticle formation or after particles are formed. For example, an activeingredient is mixed with the binder. The binder/active ingredientmixture is added to water-dispersible potash fines and mechanicallyaggregated in a pan granulator resulting in particles wherein the activeingredient and water-dispersible potash are in suspension in the binder.

Where it is desirable to add the active ingredient after particleformation, for example where the active ingredient is incompatible withsuspension in the binder, the active ingredient is added to the particlefollowing particle formation in the presence or absence of an adhesive.Methods of active ingredient addition illustratively include sprayingonto the particle or adsorption of the active ingredient by coating theparticle in a non-aqueous solution of the active ingredient.

In another embodiment, the active ingredient is mixed with an adhesivebefore application to a particle. An adhesive is a substance that bindsto a particle, such that the active ingredient adheres to the particlein suspension in the adhesive. The adhesive may be the same as thebinder or different. The choice of adhesive depends on the particlecomponents and will be evident to one skilled in the art. Examples ofadhesives include, but are not limited to, substances listed herein asbinder components. Preferably, the adhesive is calcium lignosulfonate,molasses, a liquid corn starch, a liquid corn syrup, bentonite clay or acombination of these.

For example, the active ingredient in powdered form is adhered to theoutside surface of the particle with the use of an adhesive. An adhesiveliquid may be used and is applied before or after the addition of thepowdered active ingredient or it may be applied at the same time as theactive ingredient. The choice of adhesive depends on the particlecomponents and will be evident to one skilled in the art. Examples of aliquid adhesive include but are not limited to binders listed herein,including mineral oils or polymer liquids such as polybutene.

Durability of Particles

The particles of the present invention have a minimum Resistance ToAttrition (RTA) rating ranging from 60% to 100% as determined by themethod detailed in Example R or an art-recognized equivalent procedure.

Size of Particles

The particles of the present invention have a mean particle domain sizethat ranges from 0.1 millimeter to 30 millimeters. More preferably, themean particle domain size ranges from 0.25 millimeter to 20 millimeters.Still more preferably, the mean particle domain size ranges from 0.50millimeter to 15 millimeters. The particles formed by the process of thepresent invention have a Uniformity Index rating in the range of 30 to60 where the Uniformity Index rating is calculated as the 10^(th)percentile particle size expressed as a percentage of the 95^(th)percentile particle size.

Shape of the Particles

Particles of the present invention take any shape illustrativelyincluding spheres, cylinders, ellipses, rods, cones, discs, needles andirregular. In a preferred embodiment the particles are approximatelyspherical.

Method of Use

The particles of the present invention are administered to a target toproduce a desired effect on a desirable or an undesirable organism.Particles are administered by a method that delivers thenitrogen-containing ingredient to the vicinity of a desirable organismwhose health is to be encouraged. Further, the particles areadministered by a method that delivers the active ingredient to an areawhere it will be available to a targeted desirable or undesirableorganism. For example, where a particle contains a controlled releasenitrogen source such as methylene urea oligomers and an activeingredient such as a plant hormone, the particles are delivered to adesirable plant target, such as a golf course lawn, by broadcastscattering via rotary spreader. The particles are then dispersed bywater that is user applied or natural such as rain, dew or atmospherichumidity.

Alternatively, the particles are placed in a limited target area such asnear a particular desired plant in a garden or in a crop row. In anotherembodiment, the particles are placed under the soil surface.

A target desirable organism illustratively includes cultivated plantssuch as lawn grass, crops, flowers, shrubs, trees and bushes. Targetundesirable organisms illustratively include pest insects at any stageof development, bacteria, molds, algaes, weeds, worms and rodents.

EXAMPLES Example A

Dispersible Potash: Using a pan agglomeration disk, a binder such ascalcium lignosulfanate, corn starch, and corn syrup is applied to amixture of water-dispersible sulfate or phosphate of potash fines(material less than 250 microns). The agglomeration disk is operated andadjusted to generate the desired size distribution of particles beforethe particles are conveyed to a fluid bed drier where the material isdried at a temperature of 140° F. to a moisture content of less than0.5%. The material is then separated into various size categories usingconventional gyroscopic screeners. General size of these product streamsare as follows: 3,360 microns and larger, from 3,360 microns to 1,191microns, from 1,191 microns to 594 microns, and material smaller than594 microns. The range of sizing for each product stream can be variedto separate the desired material from the mixture of sizing.

Example B

Dispersible Potash Containing Pesticides (Powdered Pesticides): Amixture of water-dispersible potash fines and a powdered pesticide (suchas PCNB, Prodiamine, or Thiphanate-Methyl) is added to a panagglomeration disk. A binder such as calcium lignosulfanate, cornstarch, bentonite clay, or corn syrup is sprayed onto the mixture. Thepan agglomeration disk is operated and adjusted to provide the desiredsize distribution of particles. The material is then conveyed to a fluidbed drier where the material is dried at a temperature of 140° F. to amoisture content of less than 0.5%, The material is then separated intovarious size categories using conventional gyroscopic screeners. Generalsize of these product streams are as follows: 3,360 microns and larger,from 3,360 microns to 1,191 microns, from 1,191 microns to 594 microns,and material smaller than 594 microns. The range of sizing for eachproduct stream can be varied to separate the desired material from themixture of sizing.

Example C

Dispersible Potash Containing Pesticides such as liquid pesticides:Using a pan agglomeration disk, a liquid pesticide and a binder such ascalcium lignosulfanate, corn starch, and corn syrup was applied to amixture of water-dispersible potash fines (material less than 250microns). The agglomeration disk is operated and adjusted to generatethe desired size distribution of particles before the particles areconveyed to a fluid bed drier where the material was dried at atemperature of 140° F. to a moisture content of less that 0.5%. Thematerial is then separated into various size categories usingconventional gyroscopic screeners. General size of these product streamsare as follows: 3,360 microns and larger, from 3,360 microns to 1,191microns, from 1,191 microns to 594 microns, and material smaller than594 microns. The range of sizing for each product stream can be variedto separate the desired material from the mixture of sizing.

Example D

Dispersible Potash with Other Nutrient Sources, Micronutrients, SoilAmendments, or Biostimulants: Using a pan agglomeration disk, a bindersuch as calcium lignosulfanate, corn starch, bentonite clay and cornsyrup is applied to a mixture of water-dispersible potash fines, othernutrient sources (diammonium phosphate or sulfate of potash forexample), micronutrients (such as iron sulfate or manganese oxide), soilamendments (such as humic acid materials), or biostimulants with allmaterials less than 250 microns in size. The agglomeration disk isoperated and adjusted to generate the desired size distribution ofparticles before the larger particles were conveyed to a fluid bed drierwhere the material was dried at a temperature of 140° F. to a moisturecontent of less that 0.5%. The material is then separated into varioussize categories using conventional gyroscopic screeners. General size ofthese product streams are as follows: 3,360 microns and larger, from3,360 microns to 1,191 microns, from 1,191 microns to 594 microns, andmaterial smaller than 594 microns. The range of sizing for each productstream can be varied to separate the desired material from the mixtureof sizing.

Example E

Dispersible Potash with Other Nutrient Sources, Micronutrients, SoilAmendments, or Biostimulants Containing Pesticides such as powderedpesticides: A mixture of potash fines, other nutrient sources (methyleneurea for example), micronutrients (such as iron sulfate or manganeseoxide), soil amendments (such as humic acid materials), or biostimulantsand a powdered pesticide (such as PCNB, Prodiamine, orThiphanate-Methyl) is added to a pan agglomeration disk. A binder suchas calcium lignosulfanate, corn starch, bentonite clay, or corn syrup issprayed onto the mixture. The pan agglomeration disk is operated andadjusted to provide the desired size distribution of particles. Thematerial is then conveyed to a fluid bed drier where the material isdried at a temperature of 140° F. to a moisture content of less than0.5%. The material is then separated into various size categories usingconventional gyroscopic screeners. General size of these product streamswere as follows: 3,360 microns and larger, from 3,360 microns to 1,191microns, from 1,191 microns to 594 microns, and material smaller than594 microns. The range of sizing for each product stream can be variedto separate the desired material from the mixture of sizing.

Example F

Dispersible Potash with Other Nutrient Sources, Micronutrients, SoilAmendments, or Biostimulants Containing Pesticides such as liquidpesticides: Using a pan agglomeration disk, a liquid pesticide and abinder such as calcium lignosulfanate, corn starch, bentonite clay, orcorn syrup are applied to a mixture of water-dispersible potash fines,other nutrient sources (isobutylidene diurea for example),micronutrients (such as iron sulfate or manganese oxide), soilamendments (such as humic acid materials), or biostimulants, with allmaterial less than 250 microns in diameter. The agglomeration disk isoperated and adjusted to generate the desired size distribution ofparticles before the particles are conveyed to a fluid bed drier wherethe material was dried at a temperature of 140° F. to a moisture contentof less that 0.5%. The material is then separated into various sizecategories using conventional gyroscopic screeners. General size ofthese product streams were as follows: 3,360 microns and larger, from3,360 microns to 1,191 microns, from 1,191 microns to 594 microns, andmaterial smaller than 594 microns. The range of sizing for each productstream can be varied to separate the desired material from the mixtureof sizing.

Example G

Post Production Surface Coating of Dispersible Potash (Example A) orDispersible Potash Containing Other Nutrient Sources, Micronutrients,Soil Amendments, or Biostimulants (Example D) with a Powdered Pesticide.Materials generated by the methods described in Example A or Example Dabove, are fed to a blender (such as a Forberg fluidized zone blender)or other coating equipment (such as a coating drum). The material issprayed with a liquid, such as a light weight mineral oil, to make thesurface slightly tacky before adding a powdered pesticide (such asProdiamine, Thiophanate-Methyl, or PCNB). A second spray of liquid maybe necessary to adhere the powder to the surface of the material.

Example H

Post Production Surface Impregnation of Dispersible Potash (Example A)or Dispersible Potash Containing Other Nutrient Sources, Micronutrients,Soil Amendments, or Biostimulants (Example D) with a Liquid Pesticide.Materials generated by the methods described in Example A or Example Dabove, are fed to a blender (such as a Forberg fluidized zone blender)or other coating equipment (such as a coating drum). The material isthen sprayed with a liquid pesticide that slightly penetrates thesurface of the material. The material is mixed to assure evendistribution of the pesticide to all particles.

Example I

Water-dispersible sulfate or phosphate of potash particles are generatedin an exemplary method, using an 18″ agglomeration pan and a fluid beddrier.

An illustrative procedure for producing a small batch of particles:

-   1. 500-1000 grams of sulfate or phosphate of potash particles fines    passing 50 mesh are weighed out.-   2. The ratio of sulfate or phosphate of potash fines to binder    material depends on the binder and varies from about 19:1 to about    1:3. Preferably the ratio of sulfate or phosphate of potash fines to    binder is in the range from 10:1 to 1:1. More preferably the ratio    of sulfate or phosphate of potash fines to binder is in the range    from 7:1 to 2:1.-   3, Approximately ⅔ of this material is placed into the 18″    agglomeration pan and the speed of rotation and the slope of incline    of the pan are adjusted to ensure an acceptable falling curtain of    material in the pan bed.-   4. A binder is applied via a spray bottle, peristaltic pump with air    atomizing nozzle, or sparge tube depending on the material used.    Binder is added by the operator until particle growth begins to    occur.-   5. As necessary, the size of the particles is adjusted by the    operator by crushing the material back down by hand as the material    is rotating within the pan.-   6. The additional ⅓ of the sulfate or phosphate of potash fines is    added in small amounts to the pan along with additional binder as    needed.-   7. After all of the sulfate or phosphate of potash is added to the    pan and any binder required to grow the particles is applied, the    material is discharged into a collection container and transported    to a fluid bed drier.-   8. The material is placed in a fluid bed drier to drive off moisture    added by the binder material. The temperature of the air entering    the drier varies depending on the materials included in the    particles.-   9. The material is dried until the temperature of the air exiting    the drier stabilizes for a period of five minutes.-   10. Once the material is taken from the drier, it is split into size    fractions using round sieve screens by hand. For example, four    fractions are used including: +6 mesh (overs), −6/+16 mesh (coarse),    −16/+30 mesh (greens), and −30 mesh (fines).-   11. The size fractions are placed into an oven and dried for    additional period. For example, the particles are placed at a    temperature ranging from 70° F. to 150° F. for 1 hour to 48 hours.    More preferably the temperature ranges from 90° F. to 120° F. for 1    hour to 48 hours. In a specific example, the particles are dried at    110° F. for an additional 16+ hours.-   12. When pulled from the oven, the size fractions are checked for    dispersibility and resistance to attrition.

Example J

An example procedure for making particles using Norlig A-Lignin as abinder is as follows:

500 g sulfate or phosphate of potash fines, −50 mesh, are combined with118.8 g of Norlig A/Water mixture (10:1) using a peristaltic pump/airatomizing nozzle. Drier inlet air is used at 190° F. Final drier exitingair has a temperature of 164° F.

Assay of dispersibility of particles is acceptable and Resistance toAttrition is 95.6%.

Example K

An example procedure for making particles using Cerestar Corn Starch asa binder is as follows:

500 g sulfate or phosphate of potash fines, −50 mesh are combined with158.3 g of Cerestar Corn Starch using a peristaltic pump/air atomizingnozzle. Drier inlet air is used at 140° F. Final drier exiting air has atemperature of 117° F.

Assay of dispersibility of particles is acceptable and Resistance toAttrition is 94.8%.

Example L

An example procedure for making particles using corn syrup as a binderis as follows:

500 g sulfate or phosphate of potash fines, −50 mesh, are combined with157.4 g of corn syrup/water (5:1) using a peristaltic pump/air atomizingnozzle. Drier inlet air is used at 140° F. Final drier exiting air has atemperature of 117° F.

Assay of dispersibility of particles is acceptable and Resistance toAttrition is 96.1%.

Example M

An example procedure for making particles using Norlig A-Lignin as abinder is as follows:

1000 g sulfate or phosphate of potash fines, −50 mesh, are combined with240 g of Norlig A/Water mixture (10:1) using a peristaltic pump/airatomizing nozzle. Drier inlet air is used at 190° F. Final drier exitingair has a temperature of 164° F.

Assay of dispersibility of particles is acceptable and Resistance toAttrition is 94.5%.

Example N

An example procedure for making particles coated with a powdered activeingredient is as follows:

Particles are generated as outlined in Example I. When dry, 1000 gramsof the selected size fraction of finished particles are placed in ablender. 40 grams of the powdered active ingredient is added to theblender, which is then turned on. After 30 seconds of blending, theadhesive liquid is added to the blender. A total of 20 grams of adhesiveliquid is added over 1 minute, which is followed by an additional 1minute of blending. The material is then discharged from the blender.

Example O Resistance to Attrition Determination

Apparatus: Ro-Tap sieve shaker with 8-inch sieves, balance with 0.1 gsensitivity, 10-min timer, and 10 steel balls with smooth surfaces and16 mm (⅝ in.) in diameter.

-   1) Using information from the Screen Analysis, choose your limiting    screen size. The following table indicates the limiting screen for    several fertilizer blends.

Fertilizer Sizing U.S. (Tyler) Coarse 16 (14) Premium Standard 20 (20)Fairways 20 (20) Greens 30 (28)

-   2) Place about 75 g of a representative sample onto the limiting    screen.-   3) Reassemble the screen apparatus with the limiting screen just    above the pan.-   4) Place the screen apparatus onto the shaker and run it for 10 min    (Use the hammer).-   5) Empty the pan. Transfer 50.0 g of sample to the pan.-   6) Put ten (10) 16-mm steel balls in the pan with the sample.-   7) Reassemble the screen apparatus and place it onto the shaker and    run it for 10 min (Do not use the hammer).-   8) Remove the steel balls from the pan and transfer the sample back    into the limiting screen.-   9) Place the screen apparatus back onto the shaker and run it for 10    min (Use the hammer).-   10) Weigh out the amount that remained on the limiting screen to the    nearest 0.1 g and compare it to the original amount.

Percent resistance to attrition={(100·a)/b}, where a is the weight ofthe fraction that remained on the limiting screen in Step 10 and b istotal weight of the sample in Step 5.

Any patents or publications mentioned in this specification areindicative of the level of those skilled in the art to which theinvention pertains. These patents and publications are hereinincorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individualpublication was specifically and individually indicated to beincorporated by reference.

One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the presentinvention is well adapted to carry out the objects and obtain the endsand advantages mentioned, as well as those inherent therein. The presentmethods, procedures, treatments, molecules, and specific compoundsdescribed herein are presently representative of preferred embodiments,are exemplary, and are not intended as limitations on the scope of theinvention. Changes therein and other uses will occur to those skilled inthe art which are encompassed within the spirit of the invention asdefined by the scope of the claims.

1. A water-dispersible particle comprising: a sulfate or muriate ofpotash between 75 micrometers and 500 micrometers mean aggregate domainsize present in an amount ranging from 5% to 99.9% by weight of thetotal dry weight of the particle; and a binder component, present in anamount ranging from 1% to 95% by weight of the total dry weight of theparticle, the particle having a mean particle domain size; the sulfateor muriate of potash and the binder component present in a form suchthat contact with water causes particle dispersion into more than 100pieces.
 2. The particle of claim 1 further comprising an activeingredient.
 3. The particle of claim 2 wherein the active ingredient isselected from the group consisting of: a fertilizer, a soil nutrient, anamendment material, and a combination thereof.
 4. The particle of claim3 wherein the active ingredient is a fertilizer and is selected from thegroup consisting of: urea, methylene urea, sulfur-coated urea,isobutylidene diurea, ammonium nitrate, ammonium sulfate, ammoniumphosphate, triple super phosphate, phosphoric acid, potassium sulphate,potassium nitrate, potassium metaphosphate, potassium chloride,dipotassium carbonate, potassium oxide and a combination thereof.
 5. Theparticle of claim 3 wherein the active ingredient is a soil nutrient isselected from the group consisting of calcium, magnesium, sulfur, iron,manganese, copper, zinc; oxides thereof; salts thereof, and acombination thereof.
 6. The particle of claim 3 wherein the amendmentmaterial is a natural organic product.
 7. The particle of claim 6wherein the active ingredient is a natural organic product selected fromthe group consisting of: humic acid, blood meal, bone meal, seed meal,feather meal, soy meal, meat meal, animal waste, activated sludge,hydrolyzed animal hair, a fish byproduct, chitin, composts andcombinations thereof.
 8. The particle of claim 2 wherein the activeingredient is selected from the group consisting of: a biological factorand a biostimulant.
 9. The particle of claim 8 wherein the biologicalfactor is selected from the group consisting of: an algicide, abacteriocide, a defoliant, a desiccant, a fungicide, an herbicide, aninsecticide, an insect growth regulator, a miticide, a nematicide, anovicide, a pesticide, a pheromone, a repellent and a rodenticide, and acombination thereof.
 10. The particle of claim 8 wherein thebiostimulant is selected from the group consisting of a plant growthhormone and a plant growth regulator, and a combination thereof.
 11. Theparticle of claim 8 wherein the biostimulant is selected from the groupconsisting of: a cytokinin, an auxin, a gibberellin, ethylene andabsisic acid, and a combination thereof.
 12. The particle of claim 1wherein the sulfate or muriate of potash is present in an amount rangingfrom 30% to 99.5% by weight of the total dry weight of the particle. 13.The particle of claim 1 wherein the binder component is present in anamount ranging from 5% to 75% by weight of the total dry weight of theparticle.
 14. The particle of claim 1 wherein the binder component isselected from the group consisting of: carbohydrate, protein, lipid,synthetic polymer, glycolipid, glycoprotein, lipoprotein, lignin, alignin derivative, a carbohydrate-based composition, a clay, and acombination thereof.
 15. The particle of claim 1 further comprising anadhesive.
 16. The particle of claim 1 wherein water causes particledispersion into between 1,000 and 10,000 pieces.
 17. The particle ofclaim 1 wherein particle dispersion occurs within 24 hours of watercontact.
 18. The particle of claim 1 wherein the mean particle domainsize ranges from 0.1 millimeter to 30 millimeters.
 19. A process ofnutrient delivery comprising: (a) administering a water-dispersibleparticle of claim 1; and (b) allowing water to contact the particle. 20.The process of nutrient delivery of claim 19 wherein the particlefurther comprises an active ingredient.
 21. The process of nutrientdelivery of claim 19 wherein the administering is selected from thegroup consisting of broadcast scattering, subsurface placement andsurface placement.
 22. A process for making a water-dispersible particlecomprising: (a) mechanically aggregating into a pellet: a sulfate ormuriate of potash; and a binder component, present in an amount rangingfrom 1% to 95% by weight of the total dry weight of the particle; thesulfate or muriate of potash and the binder present in a form such thatcontact with water causes particle dispersion into more than 100 pieces;and (b) drying the pellet.
 23. The process for making awater-dispersible particle of claim 22 wherein the sulfate or muriate ofpotash is sulfate of potash.
 24. The process for making awater-dispersible particle of claim 22 further comprising the step ofscreening the particles to obtain a mean particle domain size rangingfrom 0.1 millimeter to 30 millimeters.
 25. The process for making awater-dispersible particle of claim 22 further comprising adding anactive ingredient by a process selected from the group consisting of:adsorption, mechanical aggregation and adhesion.